Can a Drug Conviction Affect My License?

By
The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC
|June 20, 2017

If you’re a licensed driver in Texas, you’re likely aware of
the fact that your driver’s license would be suspended if you were
convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI). After all, most drivers
know that an alcohol or drug-related DWI would affect their driving privileges.
But, what about a drug conviction that has nothing to do with driving?

Can a
drug offense lead to a license suspension like a
DWI? In a word – yes. In Texas, if you are convicted of any drug or
controlled substances offense, the following would occur:

Your driver’s license would be suspended for 180 days, and

You would be required to complete a 15-hour class on drug education.

Note: According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, you would
not be able to take an online course for the drug education class. You would have to
take the class in person.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DHSH) is the agency that
oversees the drug education classes. If you are required to take these
classes and you do not complete them, your driver’s license will
be revoked beyond the 180-day suspension. Your license would remain revoked
until the DPS obtains the certificate of completion, and you pay the administrative
fee for failing to complete the required 15-hour drug education program.

What if I Don’t Have a Driver’s License?

Let’s say you did not have a valid driver’s license at the
time you were arrested. In that case, you could not obtain a driver’s
license for 180 days. This is referred to as an “Order or Prohibition.”
The clock would start ticking on the day you contact the Texas Department
of Public Safety (DPS) and fill out the necessary paperwork.

Can I Get an Occupational License?

If your license is suspended due to a drug offense, you may still qualify
for an occupational license, which would let you drive to and from work
and school-related activities. To learn more about fighting your drug
charges, license suspensions, and occupational licenses,
contact our firm to schedule a consultation with a Plano
criminal defense attorney.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.